Visit Dakigaeri Gorge in Summer

Dakigaeri Gorge (“Dakigaeri Keikoku” 抱返り渓谷) is a popular walking destination in Semboku City. It is located in between Tazawako and Kakunodate Area. The gorge is known for its beautiful emerald river of both sides are cliffs covered in green in summer and orange in late autumn.

The trekking route is well-paved and easily walked with your flat shoes. Out and back to the Mikaeri-no-taki waterfall is only about 30 minutes, but many people prefer to stay longer enjoying the water in the river.

Seiganji　（誓願寺）

Many people ask us why the water in Dakigaeri is such bright emerald. Although the reasons are not scientifically proven, it is said that the color is due to the shallow water level and the water is rich in mineral filtered through the cliffs of volcanic rocks called Green Tuff.

The waterfall is called Mikaeri-no-Taki, which directly translates to “waterfall of turning-around.” – Surely, the beauty of waterfall has made the visitors turn around many times!

Today, because of the land erosion, you are not allowed to walk further than the waterfall. In the best season, you can feel the cozy splashes over your face. The waterfall is very accessible and refreshes you on a hot summer day.

Kami-no-iwa-hashi is the red bridge over the beautiful river.

You can access to the river water near the area near the red Kami-no-Iwa-Hashi (神の岩橋; Bridge of Rock of God). Why don’t you pack your lunch and enjoy the refreshing water in Dakigaeri?

Tazawako Dragon Festival 2011 (Part 1: Tatsuko's In-nai Mountain Pass Hiking Tour)

Tazawako Dragon Festival (たざわ湖・龍神まつり；Tazawako Ryujin Matsuri) is the biggest summer event at Lake Tazawa. It is held annually on the 4th Saturday of July. This year it was held on Saturday, July 23rd.

The event features daytime activity such as a hiking tour and amateur music band performances. Traditional drum performance follows in the evening and welcoms thousands of visitors to watch the 2 dragon floats are carried to the beach and the night finale is a show of a thousand fireworks!

Part 1: Tatsuko’s In-nai Mountain Pass Hiking Tour:

Tazawako Dragon Festival starts with a ritual festival to commemorate Tatsuko, the legendary girl who became the guardian dragon of Lake Tazawa after 100-times prayers to attain her eternal beauty.

In the Legend of Tatsuko, she is said to be from In-nai Area, about 5km south of Lake Tazawa. First, a ritual ceremony was held at the birthplace of Tatsuko. Miss Tatsuko and other community members gathered to visit Tatsuko’s descendant family and gravestones of Tatsuko and her parents – to wish for the safety around the lake and the success of the festival.

Tatsuko's family still lives here.

A Shinto ritual was held in front of the graves.

Every year, a girl and a man are appointed as Tatsuko (辰子）and Hachiro-Taro（八郎太郎）. “Miss Tatsuko” is no pageant – there is no beauty contest. A person who is recommended can be chosen each year. Tatsuko for this year was Miss. Chiho Katsuta, 24. She was chosen not only for her beauty but also her hard-working reputation. She is a very sweet and bright girl!

Some locals came to take a glimpse of the year’s Miss Tatsuko. Some teenage girls had come this year as “future Tatsuko” and were asked to join the ritual as well.

Miss Tatsuko was given the amulet of Okura Shrine.

After the ritual, the group moved to a trailhead to Mt. In-nai, near the ruins of Okura Shrine (now it is relocated in Jindai area.). A hiking tour departs from there, which follows the route that is believed that Tatsuko had taken to after receiving a divine message at the shrine to search for “a spring in the north”.

While the group hikes up in the mountains, the rest of us awaited at the event site in Shirahama area, about 10 km away. (Part 2)

Sign Up for Guided Trekking Tour to Akita Komagatake

Here is a great package tour for beginning hikers who want to explore the Moutain of Flowers, Akita Komagatake! This is a package tour with a professional mountain guide, who has a thorough knowledge about the surrounding environment. He will tell you a lot about the plants and routes, so you can make your hiking trip more memorable!

Akita Komagatake Trekking "Hana-Pack" Guided Tour

秋田駒ケ岳トレッキング「花パック」

ROUTE:

Arupa Komakusa (8:49) – The 8th Station –

Katakurayama Tenbodai (Mt. Katakura Viewpoint) – The Amida Pond (Lunch) --

 Mt. Oname (1,637m) – Yakimori – The 8th Station (14:40)

– Arupa Komakusa (15:30)

*Duration: 6 Hours (Includes Lunch and Break)

*The difference in Elevation: 330m (About 1082 feet) Suitable for beginning hikers.

 

WHEN:

Every Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays between June 1 and October 31st.

Everyday from June 21st to August 19th.

FEE:

It is available for a group of 2 to 10 people.

 Fee varies depending on how many people are in your group.

For a group of more than 4 people, one adult is 3,500 Yen.

If your group is 2 or 3 people, one adult is 5,000 Yen.

It includes the guide and a hot spring entrance fee at Arupa Komakusa.

To Sign Up:

Call Arupa Komakusa (TEL 0187-46-2101) or

Yama-no-Annainin Guide Office (Tel 0187-43-1740)

untill 2 days before your scheduled date.

 On the day, please meet with the guide at Arupa Komakusa at 8:20 A.M.

Harvest Festival 2010 at Arupa

Arupa Komakusa (アルパこまくさ）, an onsen facility that is perefect for Komagatake hikers on a day-trip. The facility features a rotenburo (露天風呂）, an outdoor bath with a beautiful view of Lake Tazawa. A restaurant has a great selection of rice and noodle combinations including local specialties like Inaniwa Udon(稲庭うどん）, Tazawako B-men （田沢湖Ｂ麺）, and Menkoi-Komachi (麺恋こまち）.

Arupa Komakusa's HARVEST FESTIVAL

 Oct. 16- 17th, 2010.

Akita's fresh harvests will be available!

Wild mushrooms from Tazawako Area

Raw honey from Kakunodate Area

Saimyoji-guri Chestnut from Nishiki Area

Various fruits of Akita Prefecture

Also Available:

  Hiking and backpacking gears, equippments, and clothing! 

At an information tent by ICI Ishii Sports Inc.

Hiking Routes to Akita Komagatake

Here is a simplified map of hiking route from Hachigome, the 8th Station, to the Amida Pond, a popular destination near the summit area!

More detailed maps and guide books are available for sale at Folake Tazawako Tourist Information Center at JR Tazawako Station. The Japanese materials include maps with contour lines and other routes.

Download

Akita Komagatake 101: Accsess to the 8th Station and Basic Routes to Amida Pond

Akita Komagatake is the highest mountain in Akita Prefecture and popular for the diversity of alpine plants through the green season. The area welcomes 50,000 hikers each year!

6 Trailheads to the Amida Pond:

Akita Komagatake is a large area that stretches over two Prefectures, Akita Prefecture and  Iwate Prefecture.

From Akita side, there are mainly 5 trailheads for Komagatake: Hachigome Guchi (八合目), Nakaobonai Guchi (中生保内口), Mizusawa Onsen Guchi (水沢温泉口), Nyuto Onsen Guchi (乳頭温泉口）, and Nyutosan Juso Course （乳頭山縦走コース）.

From Iwate side, a trailhead called Kunimi Onsen Guchi （国見温泉口）is available.

All the routes reach up to a pond called the Amida Pond（阿弥陀池）, which is situated at the summit area.

Routes from the 8th Station Trailhead:

All the routes -- except for the ones from Hachigome Trailhead -- are strenuous, more suitable for the experienced hikers. Some parts might be deteriorated, so we recommend you to check with the local mountain guide in advance. (or Folake)

On the other hand, routes from Hachigome (the 8th Station) is suitable and enjoyeable for all-level hikers. Some parts are rocky and steep but easy enough  for children as well. It takes about 3 hours out and back. Ideal for a pleasant day-trip for your family!

Three Routes from Hachigome, the 8th Station Trailhead:

1. Shindo Course (新道コース), or the ‘New Route’ Course
2. Yakemori Course (焼森コース), or the “Shakunage Course” (シャクナゲコース)
3. Kyudo Course （旧道コース）,or the ‘Old Route’ Course

Shindo Course is known for the diversity of alpine plants and the panoramic view of Lake Tazawa. The trail goes through Katakura-dake Viewpoint, (片倉岳展望台)  and it loopes around the Mt. Onamedake (女男岳), and eventually becomes gentle uphill. It takes about 60 minutes to the Amida Pond.

Yakemori Course is known for the colony of Shakunage (Rhododendron subg. Hymenanthes). That is why it is called “Shakunage Course”. You will cross a stream and continue hiking up to the summit of the Mt.Yakemori (1,551m): That is where you will find clusters of Komakusa (Dicentra peregrine) and Takane-sumire (Viola Crassa Makino). After you pass by Mt. Yokodake (1,583m), the Amida Pond appears very soon. About 70 minutes.

Kyudo Course is not recommended for beginning hikers. It is very steep and partially deteriorated. In recent years, many hikers have witnessed a pair of bears, apparently dwelling near the hiking route. This route is CURRENTLY CLOSED. We are mentioning it here just so you can avoid  the confusion at the diverging point.

Extending Your Hike:

(Only) If you have plenty of time, you might want to consider extending your hike  to the summits of Mt. Odake（男岳）or Mt. Onamadake (男女岳) - each takes another 20 minutes to the top.

Hiking Back to the Trailhead:

You can go back on the same route, or take an alternative route to go back to the 8th Station. Make sure you arrive before the last bus leaves! Plan ahead and check the schedule.

Access from JR Station to the Trailhead:

To access to the 8th Station trailhead, it is recommended to take a bus. A bus line called Komagatake-sen (駒ケ岳線）takes you directly from JR Tazawako Station.

The buses are available only on the days shown in pink below. Those are the days when private vehicles are not allowed to access to the 8th Station (“Hachigome”)  If you wish to access on days shown in white, you can access by a taxi.

To see the 2011 version, click here.

Go by Dakigaeri-Go!

Dakigaeri is a most popular hiking destination in Tazawako Area, just following Mt. Akita Komagatake.

Dakigaeri Gorge in Summer

If you feel a bit overwhelmed hiking up Mt. Komagatake for a whole day, Dakigaeri is the one for you!

Dakigaeri is most famous for the beautiful foliage seen in late fall. Thousands of hikers visit here from in and out of Japan. The contrast of emerald green in river against the burning red foliage is so unforgettable!

Hikers can enjoy beautiful and refreshing greenery from June- September.

One concern by many Dakigaeri hikers, though, was the inconvenience in terms of transportation! The nearest JR station is Jindai -- a small station where no taxi awaits you in front. From there, a walk takes at least 30-40 minutes only to the entrance of the trail. Many hikers find this prologue too overwhelming, frustrating, and tiring!

But, say-- you take a taxi from JR Tazawako or Kakundoate Station. This is possible but will probably cost you more than 3,000 yen.

If that sounds like a bit of a trouble to you, Dakigaeri-Go is the best choice!

Download or get a copy at Folake

Download Japanese

A free shuttle bus service between Tazawako Art Village to Kakundoate Area (Station/Samurai Residences) is available, operated by Tazawako Art Village (call 0187-44-3333). Refer to the timetable on the above.

Opening of Mt. Komagatake

June 1st marked an important day for the hikers who had been long waiting for the opening of Mt. Komagatake.


Mt. Komagatake is stretched over the bordering area between two prefectures, Akita and Iwate. On this day, teams of climbers from each prefectures hiked up to meet, performed a Shinto ceremony, and mingled to wish the safety of all the hikers to this area.

Here are some photos, courtesy of  Folake Tazawako Tourist Information Center.

Climbing up from Akita side.

Look at the patches of snow!

About 100 participants enjoyed the hike this day.

Some alpine plants-- one of the earlier ones-- are found.

Long awaited the end of winter, these alpine plants are finally out.

Walking on the deck towards Amida Ike, a pond near the summit area.

At the top of Odake (1623 m) there is a small shrine. There a ceremony to wish the hiker's safety was performed.

Groups from Akita and Iwate exchanged pickels to commemorate the opening day.

You can download the access map with bus and parkin information from the side bar on your right (Available only in Japanese). If you have any further questions, please inquire Folake (folake@tazawako.org) or Sasaki (sasaki@tazawako.org).

A Soba Near Waterfall: Komagatake Onsen

Soba Goro is a Soba specialized restaurant with locations at Komagatake Onsen and Tazawako Ichi in front of JR Tazawako Station. They serve Juwari Soba (100% Buckwheat Noodle), the finer variety consists entirely of buckwheat, while the more common variety, Ni-Hachi Soba  (2-8 Buckwheat Noodle) consists of buckwheat and 20% wheat. This means Juwari Soba contains higher nutrition such as amino acids, dietary fibers, and rutin. You think soba is healthy? Choose Juwari Soba--- even healthier!

Komagatake Onsen and Juwari Soba Soba Goro

The Entrance

Soba Goro’s Tazawako Ichi Location is popular among train travelers; however, this Komagatake Onsen location is situated as a part of this inn and mostly visited by overnight guests, day-trippers, and hikers who came for Onsen in Mizusawa Area. The building is secluded from other Mizusawa inns, deep in the forest next to a creek. The best treat for your eye is a beautiful waterfall called Yujo-No-Taki, Waterfall of Friendship.

But first, let us have some treat for our tummy! Our order this day was Kakiage Soba--- recommended by the receptionist. At this location, you first buy a ticket from the vending machine in front of the front desk, which you will show to the server upon entering the restaurant at the end of the hall.

Written in Japanese only, so you can ask for an assistance.

Take this ticket to a server

The interior is furnished with beautiful dark wooden pieces and decorated with antique goods, which give a certain ambiance--- similar to Tsurunoyu and other Soba Goro location. This place is so unique, though, because you see a river and hear the water and it feels like you are out in the nature!

Welcome..

Sit on the counter or a table? You choose.

Help yourself with hot tea or water.

Antique pieces displayed.

A view from our table

Dried persimmons. Hear the sound of river?

Kakiage Soba is a plate of cold soba served with pieces of kakiage tempura (shreded mixed vegetables deepfried). Soba aficionados say that a good soba must have such texture that is hard and chewy at the same time. Soba Goro’s Soba is at its perfection and cooked so fresh--- boiled no more than 20 seconds! As a result, it leaves the distinctive scent of buckwheat which you would enjoy in every moment. At the end of the meal, we were served a pot of flavorful soba-yu (water in which soba was boiled).

Morisoba with Kakiage

Kakiage!

After our indulgence with soba, we proceeded to explore the waterfall, which is a minute away. The mist from the waterfall was so refreshing! We also found many young spring plants near the water. How comforting it was.. we just wanted to stay there forever!

Yujo-No-Taki

To access Komagatake Onsen, you take a road into the forest following a sign. The road directly takes you to the waterfall and Komagatake Onsen, so it’s pretty self-explanatory. Enjoy a soak, soba, and relaxing moment near the waterfall :)


大きな地図で見る

A Walk to a Hide-Out at Frog Stone

Kaeru-Ishi （蛙石） is a rock that resembles a gigantic frog! We took a short walk down to the lakeshore across from Kenmin-No-Mori.

Follow the sign.

Find the road sign across the street of Kenmin-no-mori. The narrow trail is not paved with concrete. Most parts are covered by gravel and soft soil along the roped walking path. Springtime has come very slowly this year. But you can still see the footsteps of summer in the green leaves of the trees. Very refreshing!

Watch your step!

Although some lakeshore of Lake Tazawa is rather rocky because of the volcanic component, here you will be walking on the bed of dry leaves and fluffy soil. As you approach the water, you might have to walk on wet grounds depending on the previous weather condition - so make sure you are wearing a comfortable pair of shoes!

Soon this place will have a roof of young fresh leaves.

Wild Violas

Do not go off the road - just follow the ropes.

The water is calm.  

There you go..

Within 5 minutes, we found what we were looking for: the Frog Stone!

The wooden plate says ''Look from this angle"

Moss covered rocks!

Talismans.. Wonder what they wished.

Depth of Kappa

Whether or not the rock resembles a gigantic frog depends on your imagination.. On this day we saw coins by the visitors. The rock might not resemble a frog to you, but you would still enjoy the nice walk near the water.

It is only 100m walk for about 15 mins. If you are visiting Kenmin-No-Mori or having a bike ride around the lake, it could be a very nice place to take a break. It is a hidden spot and not commonly known even by local people, so you probably have the whole place for yourself. Enjoy!